by It’s high holiday time with the US Thanksgiving just wrapping up and even in my little corner of the world, Christmas is jingling into the grocery store speakers. I live on the subtropical island of Taiwan, so I’m always amazed to hear “Stille Nacht” or “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” as I wind […]
Holiday Traditions: Tips for When You Don’t Agree
by The holidays are here, but not everything brings good cheer! What do you do when you don’t agree with popular holiday traditions? One expat mom in the Netherlands shares her tips. “Phew, he’s gone,” I sigh with relief. “Who’s gone?” asks my husband. “You know who.” The “you know who” I have in mind […]
Celebrate Winter Solstice Like a Northern European
by Have you ever heard of the winter solstice? It is the longest night and the shortest day of the year, something that was widely celebrated in many Northern European cultures before Christianity – and Christmas – arrived in the region. In fact, many traditions that we associate with Christmas, for example Christmas trees and […]
Celebrating Christmas Musical Traditions Around the World
by In the western world, Christmas is big. While retail stores start marketing in late September, the general public doesn’t get into the spirit until Thanksgiving Day; largely masked by Black Friday – the day you stand in line to get the best deals of the year! The shopping is a big part, but an […]